Today, we face the highest number of violent conflicts since 1945.
And Least Developed Countries represent the lion’s share of these hotspots. Peace and security cannot take hold in an absence of development.
Nor can development take hold in an absence of peace and security.
Or in countries where historical injustices, inequalities and systematic oppression have locked generations of people in cycles of disadvantage and poverty.
Or where basic services like health, education, security and justice are lacking.
But the problems that affect development do not just result from conflict within developing countries.
For example, the effects of the war in Ukraine are reverberating across regions and around the world, threatening to exacerbate economic and social vulnerabilities in developing countries, particularly LDCs.
Food prices have reached a 14-year high.
Oil prices have surged to their highest since 2008, and fertilizer prices have escalated.
For countries already struggling to recover, this is a recipe for human and economic disaster.
My proposed New Agenda for Peace calls on the global community to work as one – in solidarity, as a human family – to address the roots of violent conflicts by investing in development.
This includes a New Social Contract within all societies.
From universal health coverage, social protection and safety nets – accessible to all.
To education and training for all people so they can envision – and build – better, more prosperous futures.
And we need to build national institutions and justice systems that are inclusive and resilient to corruption and abuse of power – anchored in human rights and the rule of law.
Least Developed Countries can count on the total commitment of the entire 缅北禁地system.
From day one, the collaboration and spirit of solidarity that resulted in this Programme has been deeply inspiring.
We are proud to be on this journey with all of you as we put the needs of the Least Developed Countries where they belong.
First in our plans.
First in our investments.
And always first in our actions.
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